A Subtle Warning
Required String Notes:DFACGD
Tune to Custom Tuning (DFACGD)Tune to Custom Tuning (DFACGD)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (DFACGD).
Custom Tuning (DFACGD)
±0
D
Target: 73.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
D73
F87
A110
C131
G196
D294
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (DFACGD)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “A Subtle Warning”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | D2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 5 | A2 | F2 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| String 4 | D3 | A2 | Tune down 5 semitones |
| String 3 | G3 | C3 | Tune down 7 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | G3 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | D4 | Tune down a whole step |
Recommended string gauge: .012–.056. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.Ernie Ball Not Even Slinky (.012–.056) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"A Subtle Warning" by Shattered Mirrors is played in Custom Tuning (DFACGD) (DFACGD). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 6 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 5 down to F, string 4 down to A, string 3 down to C, string 2 down to G, string 1 down to D. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 7 semitones down. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (DFACGD).
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Gear for Custom Tuning (DFACGD)
Strings and tools that make playing "A Subtle Warning" in Custom Tuning (DFACGD) easier.
Ernie Ball Not Even Slinky (.012–.056)
Recommended gauge .012–.056. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.
D'Addario Universal Micro Headstock Tuner
A headstock tuner makes switching in and out of this tuning quick, even on stage or without a mic.
D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)
Retuning 6 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“A Subtle Warning” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "A Subtle Warning" by Shattered Mirrors in?
"A Subtle Warning" is played in Custom Tuning (DFACGD): DFACGD, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "A Subtle Warning"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 5: tune down 4 semitones (A2 → F2). String 4: tune down 5 semitones (D3 → A2). String 3: tune down 7 semitones (G3 → C3). String 2: tune down 4 semitones (B3 → G3). String 1: tune down a whole step (E4 → D4).
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (DFACGD)?
Use a .012–.056 set. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (DFACGD)
Once tuned to DFACGD, try playing these tracks next: